Surf turf war theory on Peterborough Subaru trashing

POLICE believe an offender who “completely trashed” a car parked near a Peterborough beach may have been a territorial local surfer guarding turf.

At noon yesterday a Melbourne man returned to the Falls of Halladale car park after surfing to find his 2001 Subaru Outback station wagon with $5000 worth of damage.

POLICE believe an offender who “completely trashed” a car parked near a Peterborough beach may have been a territorial local surfer guarding turf.

At noon yesterday a Melbourne man returned to the Falls of Halladale car park after surfing to find his 2001 Subaru Outback station wagon with $5000 worth of damage.

Profanities and messages had been scratched into the blue car, which had each window smashed and panel kicked in.

Acting Sergeant Greg Skinner said the vehicle was the only car parked at the local surfing spot, known locally as “The Well”, between 9.30am and noon. “A Torquay sticker on the back window was almost completely scratched off,” Acting Sergeant Skinner told The Standard.

“The car park is off the Great Ocean Road and can’t be seen from the road,” he said.

“This is a popular surfing spot for locals and the person surfing was from out of town.

“It could be possibly some kind of surf turf war.

“It’s been a long period since something like this has happened, in the Surf Coast area.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact the Port Campbell police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.